Valley of Illusion — Gildarts' Camp
The fog had begun to thin around the small camp.
The fire crackled softly, its orange glow cutting through the darkness of the Valley of Illusion.
Then—
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Gildarts' booming laughter echoed through the trees.
Across from him, Eyal was laughing as well.
"And then you should've seen his face!" Eyal said between laughs. "Karoshi attacked him and that idiot nearly forgot how to breathe!"
Gildarts slammed his hand against his knee.
"HAHA! And you're telling me Samuel actually—"
"Exactly!"
Eyal burst out laughing again.
A few metres away, Yaman and James sat on a fallen tree trunk, staring at the two of them with exhausted expressions.
James slowly looked at Yaman.
"When did those two become friends?"
Yaman didn't even bother looking at them.
"Meeting of idiots."
James nodded.
"Agreed."
Eyal immediately turned toward them.
"Hey! Don't say that about me!"
Gildarts pointed at Yaman and James.
"Those two are boring."
James frowned.
"What?"
Gildarts laughed.
"They'll never be popular with women."
Yaman's eyebrow twitched.
He stood.
"Enough."
His voice immediately became serious.
"We don't have time for this nonsense."
He pointed toward the sleeping man beside the fire.
"We need to question that bastard."
Samuel was still unconscious, sleeping beneath a blanket and snoring loudly.
Gildarts glanced at him.
"Later."
Eyal nodded.
"He's asleep."
The two immediately went back to laughing.
Yaman stared at them.
Silence.
His eye twitched.
"...Unbelievable."
He walked toward Gildarts' belongings and spotted a large jar of beer.
He picked it up.
Gildarts immediately noticed.
"Oi."
Yaman kept walking.
"Put that back."
No response.
"That is my last one for today."
Still nothing.
Yaman reached Samuel.
Gildarts sat upright.
"Yaman."
Yaman opened the jar.
"Don't."
SPLASH!
The beer poured directly over Samuel's head.
For two seconds, nothing happened.
Then—
"AAAAAGH!"
Samuel suddenly sprang awake.
"IT HURTS! IT HURTS! DAMN IT!"
He stumbled around the camp, clutching his injured body.
Gildarts stared at Yaman.
Then burst out laughing.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Eyal covered his mouth, laughing.
"Brilliant!"
Yaman threw the empty jar aside.
"Now he's awake."
Samuel finally dropped to his knees.
"What the hell did you—"
Yaman grabbed him by the collar and pulled him up.
"Enough."
His expression hardened.
"You have a lot to explain."
Samuel swallowed.
Yaman's left hand began glowing faintly red.
"And I swear, if you lie…"
The glow intensified.
"…or leave anything out, I'll make you regret it."
Samuel's face went pale.
But then—
"Yaman."
The voice came from behind him.
Yaman stopped.
Gildarts was staring at Samuel.
The laughter was gone.
So was the smile.
Only a cold, restrained anger remained.
"Move."
Yaman looked at him.
For a moment, neither said anything.
Then Yaman released Samuel.
Gildarts walked forward.
Samuel immediately began crawling backward.
"Please…"
Gildarts stopped in front of him.
"Do you have something to explain?"
Samuel couldn't answer.
He was trembling.
Gildarts looked down at him.
Then placed his boot on Samuel's foot.
"I asked you something."
"I-I…"
The pressure increased.
"Speak."
"I didn't mean for any of this to happen!"
Gildarts' eyes narrowed.
"I swear!"
Samuel's voice shook.
"I never wanted anyone to get hurt!"
Gildarts' expression darkened.
"Then talk."
Samuel remained silent.
Gildarts' magical aura suddenly erupted.
BOOM!
The ground shook beneath them.
The flames bent violently.
The trees surrounding the camp trembled as an overwhelming pressure spread through the valley.
James and Eyal instinctively stepped backward.
Yaman's eyes widened.
He struggled to breathe.
He stared at Gildarts.
"So this…"
His voice was barely audible.
"…is the power of the Ace."
Samuel was frozen in terror.
Gildarts finally withdrew his aura.
He turned toward James and Eyal.
"Do you have the Council's restraints?"
James nodded.
"Yes."
"Magic cuffs?"
"Yes."
Gildarts pointed toward Samuel.
"Arrest him."
James and Eyal immediately moved.
Samuel tried to resist.
"Wait!"
James secured one restraint.
Eyal secured the other.
"Stand up," James ordered.
Samuel tried.
His legs gave out.
Eyal grabbed him.
"Come on."
Samuel collapsed again.
James sighed.
"He can't even stand."
Eyal grabbed him and began pulling him along.
The others started packing the camp.
Yaman looked at Gildarts.
"So we're going back?"
"Yes."
Gildarts looked at him.
"And don't even think about arguing."
Yaman scoffed.
"I don't care."
They began walking.
Then—
"Please…"
Samuel's voice stopped them.
Nobody turned.
"My family…"
Yaman slowly looked back.
Samuel was on the ground.
Tears ran down his face.
"My wife… my daughter…"
His voice cracked.
"They're in danger."
Yaman frowned.
"Here we go."
"I'm telling the truth!"
Samuel desperately looked toward Gildarts.
"Please, sir!"
Gildarts stopped.
Yaman looked at him.
"Why did you stop?"
Gildarts answered calmly.
"Let him speak."
Yaman frowned.
"You believe him?"
"No."
Gildarts looked toward Samuel.
"But I can decide that after I hear him."
Samuel lowered his head.
"Thank you…"
Gildarts crossed his arms.
"You have one chance."
He stared directly into Samuel's eyes.
"Tell me everything."
Samuel took a deep breath.
"My name is Samuel Isaac."
His voice was weak.
"I was a merchant when I was young."
He paused.
"But I was good at something else."
Yaman watched him.
"I knew the roads."
"The terrain."
"The routes through Fiore."
Samuel looked down.
"That knowledge eventually led me into smuggling."
James frowned.
Samuel continued.
"I was arrested by the Magic Council when I was young."
"I had been caught transporting weapons belonging to the Council."
He clenched his hands.
"Because of the charges against me, I was sentenced to twenty-two years in prison."
Silence.
"I served my sentence."
His voice became quieter.
"And I regretted it."
Samuel looked toward the fire.
"When I finally got out…"
He smiled bitterly.
"I didn't want money."
"I didn't want power."
"I wanted my family."
He swallowed.
"I returned to the City of Illusion."
"I wanted to live normally."
"Work."
"Trade."
"Come home to my wife and daughter."
"For a while…"
His expression softened.
"…I did."
Then it disappeared.
"Everything changed when the city's lord died."
Yaman's eyes narrowed.
"His son inherited the position."
Samuel clenched his jaw.
"Garo."
He spat the name.
"He turned the people of the city into slaves."
"He brought outsiders into the city and gave them authority over us."
"He called it protection."
Samuel laughed bitterly.
"It wasn't protection."
"It was control."
James remained silent.
"I was one of the first people to oppose him."
Yaman asked:
"And what happened?"
"My rebellion failed."
Samuel lowered his head.
"I was imprisoned again."
"Five years ago, I escaped."
"I left the City of Illusion."
"I travelled throughout Fiore."
"I worked."
"I saved money."
"And I searched for a way to stop him."
His voice became more determined.
"Then I started hearing rumours."
Yaman stepped closer.
"About what?"
"Garo."
Samuel looked at him.
"He was searching for something."
"Something legendary."
He paused.
"At first, I didn't believe it."
"Then one of my contacts confirmed it."
Samuel's eyes moved toward the wagon.
"And I discovered that what he was searching for was real."
Yaman frowned.
"So you stole it."
"The Council had already obtained part of it."
Samuel nodded.
"I prepared everything."
"Time Lacrima."
"Other Lacrima."
"Equipment."
"Everything needed."
He pointed toward the wagon.
"It was all inside that wagon."
"I planned to return to the City of Illusion."
"To confront Garo."
"To fight his soldiers."
"To fight his mercenaries."
Samuel's voice shook.
"I knew I might die."
"But I was willing to."
"For my people."
He looked down.
"For my family."
A long silence followed.
"Then Garo found out."
Samuel nodded.
"I believe his spies discovered what I had done."
"So he sent someone after me."
Yaman narrowed his eyes.
"Gabriel Karoshi."
Samuel nodded.
"Yes."
"I knew I couldn't defeat him."
"I only wanted the wagon back."
"I didn't want you to fight."
"I only wanted help recovering it."
Yaman suddenly raised his hand.
"Wait."
Everyone looked at him.
Yaman stared directly at Samuel.
"Let's get something straight."
He stepped closer.
"Who exactly is Garo?"
"How powerful is he?"
"Who are his allies?"
"What does he want?"
"And what is this thing he's willing to send someone like Karoshi after?"
Samuel hesitated.
"Garo is the heir of the former lord."
"He's arrogant."
"Selfish."
"And spoiled."
Yaman raised an eyebrow.
"Sounds like an idiot."
Samuel gave a bitter smile.
"He is."
"But he's an idiot with dangerous people around him."
"What dangerous people?"
Samuel's expression changed.
He took a breath.
"His allies…"
He hesitated.
Then finally said:
"Grimoire Heart."
Silence.
Yaman blinked.
"...Grimoire Heart?"
James' eyes widened.
Eyal stared at Samuel.
"You're serious?"
Samuel nodded.
James slowly repeated the name.
"Grimoire Heart…"
Eyal's face became tense.
"One of the three major Dark Guilds…"
He swallowed.
"One of the most dangerous guilds in Fiore."
Yaman looked between them.
"What the hell are they doing with Garo?"
Samuel answered quietly.
"They control the City of Illusion."
"They protect Garo."
"And he provides them with whatever they require."
Yaman clenched his fist.
"So that idiot thinks having a Dark Guild behind him makes him untouchable."
"Perhaps."
Gildarts finally spoke.
His voice was quiet.
"And what exactly is Garo searching for?"
Samuel looked toward the dark fog.
His face became pale.
"The treasure…"
He paused.
"…of the legendary pirate Gustavo."
The camp fell silent.
Yaman's eyes widened.
"...Captain Gustavo?"
Samuel nodded.
"Yes."
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Only the sound of the fire remained.
Yaman slowly looked toward the endless fog covering the valley.
A stolen wagon.
A corrupt lord.
A legendary Dark Guild.
Gabriel Karoshi.
And now—
The lost treasure of Captain Gustavo.
Whatever Garo was planning…
it was no longer just a problem concerning the City of Illusion.
It was something much bigger.
The storm had grown stronger.
Rain hammered against the enormous windows of Jaro's castle, while flashes of lightning illuminated the dark sky beyond them.
Inside the grand dining hall, however, everything remained warm and brightly lit.
Candles burned along the long dining table, reflecting against the polished silverware and crystal glasses.
At the head of the table sat Jaro, while Gabriel Karoshi and Lior sat across from him.
Jaro leaned forward, his expression unusually serious.
"So… I assume you understand the situation now."
Gabriel rested one arm against the chair.
"You want us to stay here tonight."
Jaro nodded.
"And tomorrow, while you perform the ritual, we protect you."
Gabriel narrowed his red eyes.
"The ritual that will supposedly reveal the coordinates to Gustavo's treasure?"
"Exactly."
Jaro smiled.
"And believe me, Karoshi, the reward will be enormous."
Gabriel remained silent.
"I'll give you enough money to make even you consider retiring from mercenary work."
That caught Lior's attention.
Jaro continued.
"And that's not all. Once everything is over, I'll make you one of my closest allies."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow.
"An ally?"
"Yes."
Jaro leaned closer.
"You could even help me negotiate with Grimoire Heart."
His smile faded.
"I want this partnership ended."
He clenched his fist.
"They've taken enough from me already. Money, land, influence… everything."
His voice grew bitter.
"They call it a partnership, yet they order me around as if I'm some servant."
He suddenly slammed his hand against the table.
BANG!
Lior barely reacted.
"And their members wander around my city whenever they please!"
Jaro's eye twitched.
"And then there's that girl…"
Gabriel glanced at him.
Jaro's expression darkened.
"That girl is always here!"
He suddenly began imitating Ultear.
"'Jaro! Jaro! Jaro! Bring me grapes!'"
Lior looked at Gabriel.
Gabriel looked at Lior.
Neither understood where this was going.
"'Jaro, I want sweets!'"
Jaro slammed his fist down again.
"'Jaro, give me a book! Jaro, make me tea! Jaro, I want to see your stupid face!'"
His voice rose.
"Damn that brat!"
He stood up.
"Damn Hades! Damn Grimoire Heart!"
Silence.
Jaro froze.
His face slowly lost its color.
He looked toward the doors.
...What if she heard me?
He immediately rushed toward them and threw them open.
He looked left.
Nothing.
Right.
Nothing.
He quickly closed them again.
Jaro pressed his back against the door and breathed heavily.
"Thank God…"
Lior stared at him.
Gabriel sighed.
"You really are terrified of her."
Jaro immediately straightened.
"I am not terrified!"
Gabriel raised an eyebrow.
"Of course."
Jaro cleared his throat.
"Anyway…"
Gabriel leaned back.
"I'll accept."
Jaro blinked.
"You will?"
"Yes."
Gabriel's expression became slightly more serious.
"Honestly, your situation is starting to make me feel sorry for you."
Jaro's eyes immediately brightened.
"My friend…"
He clasped his hands together.
"You understand me."
Gabriel sighed.
"Don't start."
"Please help me."
"Stop bowing."
Jaro straightened.
"Fine."
Gabriel took another drink.
"I'll help you with the operation."
He paused.
"Afterward, I'll speak with Grimoire Heart about your situation."
Jaro nodded eagerly.
"Thank you."
"It won't be easy," Gabriel added. "We're talking about Grimoire Heart."
He shrugged.
"But I have a few connections."
Jaro's smile returned.
"As for your payment—"
"We'll discuss it after the operation."
Jaro immediately nodded.
"Of course."
Gabriel stood.
"Get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day."
Lior stood as well.
The two mercenaries walked toward the doors.
Jaro watched them.
"Good night."
Gabriel glanced back.
"Try not to lose your nerve before morning."
The doors closed behind them.
Jaro was finally alone.
He sighed.
"Now…"
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a Communication Lacrima.
"Gareth needs to know about tomorrow."
He activated it.
---
The Underground Storage Room
Deep beneath the castle, Gareth stood before the enormous carriage.
He looked terrified.
Inside the carriage were dozens upon dozens of Time Lacrima.
And sitting in the middle of them was Ultear.
She looked happier than she had all evening.
She picked up one of the Lacrima and held it against the light.
"This is amazing…"
She smiled.
"This will improve my magic tremendously."
She looked around.
"I've always wanted to have more of these."
She hugged one against herself.
"Master Hades used to bring me a few when he could. They're incredibly rare and expensive."
Her eyes sparkled.
"And now…"
She spread her arms.
"I have all of these!"
Gareth swallowed.
"Ultear-sama…"
She ignored him.
"Ultear-sama?"
Nothing.
Gareth stepped closer.
"Have you taken everything you wanted?"
Ultear looked at him.
"No."
She returned her attention to the Lacrima.
"I'm staying here."
Gareth forced a smile.
"But this storage room isn't exactly suitable for you."
Ultear didn't answer.
"There are rats."
Nothing.
"And snakes."
Nothing.
"And…"
Gareth hesitated.
"Some servants claim the former king's ghost appears here."
Ultear smiled.
"Interesting."
She picked up another Lacrima.
"Now leave."
Gareth's smile became painful.
How am I supposed to convince her to leave?
Then he remembered something.
His face slowly changed.
Wait.
Jaro-sama never actually prepared a gift for her.
He looked at the carriage.
These Lacrima were supposed to be for Jaro-sama.
His expression became horrified.
You idiot, Gareth.
What have you done?
He cautiously approached the carriage.
"Perhaps you could take a few of them, Ultear-sama…"
Ultear looked at him.
"…and leave the rest for Jaro-sama."
Silence.
Ultear's eyes narrowed.
"They're mine."
Gareth froze.
"Of course, but—"
"Mine."
"Yes, Ultear-sama."
Suddenly—
Riiing!
Gareth jumped.
The Communication Lacrima in his pocket was ringing.
"Jaro-sama!"
He immediately answered.
Then realized his mistake.
Ultear slowly turned toward him.
"Was that Jaro?"
Gareth froze.
"No."
Ultear stood.
"Give it to me."
"Ultear-sama…"
"Give it to me."
A faint purple aura surrounded her.
Gareth's face went pale.
"…Yes, Ultear-sama."
He handed her the Lacrima.
She answered.
"Jaro?"
---
The Other End of the Call
Jaro smiled when the connection opened.
"Gareth! Where the hell are you?"
He glanced toward the empty dining hall.
"Gabriel and Lior have already left. I've been waiting for you."
He paused.
"And what happened with Ultear?"
A familiar voice answered.
"Jaro."
Jaro froze.
His smile disappeared.
"…Ultear-sama?"
"Where have you been?"
Jaro swallowed.
"I-I wasn't at the castle."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"I had important meetings."
"Really?"
Jaro began sweating.
"Yes."
"Where are you?"
"Outside."
"Where?"
Jaro looked around helplessly.
"Somewhere outside."
Silence.
"You're terrible at lying."
Jaro forced a laugh.
"Listen, Ultear-sama…"
He quickly changed the subject.
"When I return, we'll play your favorite game. How does that sound?"
Ultear was suddenly cheerful.
"Thank you for the present."
Jaro blinked.
"…Present?"
"It's beautiful."
Jaro's smile vanished.
"What present?"
Ultear sounded genuinely confused.
"Didn't you tell Gareth to tell me?"
Jaro's heart sank.
"Tell you what?"
"That you brought me Time Lacrima."
Silence.
Jaro's eyes widened.
"…What?"
Ultear giggled.
"Thank you for the present, Jaro."
Jaro's face slowly became blank.
"I've always wanted Time Lacrima."
She continued happily.
"This is the first useful thing you've ever done."
Jaro stopped breathing.
His hand began trembling.
The Communication Lacrima slipped from his fingers.
CRACK!
It shattered against the floor.
Jaro stared at the broken pieces.
His face twitched.
"No…"
He slowly sank into his chair.
"No, no, no…"
Then his despair exploded.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
His scream echoed through the castle.
---
Back in the Storage Room
Ultear looked at the broken connection.
"Jaro?"
Nothing.
She frowned.
Gareth quickly stepped forward.
"The connection was lost, Ultear-sama."
Ultear sighed.
"How annoying."
She handed the broken Communication Lacrima back to Gareth.
Then she climbed back into the carriage.
Gareth stared at her.
"Ultear-sama…"
"What?"
"Shouldn't we return to the castle?"
"No."
"But—"
"I like it here."
Gareth looked at the mountain of Time Lacrima surrounding her.
He slowly understood.
There was absolutely no chance of convincing her.
"Of course…"
Ultear smiled and picked up another Lacrima.
Gareth turned away.
He rubbed his face tiredly.
Jaro-sama is going to kill me.
He looked back at Ultear.
Then at the carriage.
Then toward the ceiling.
"If becoming a farmer is what it takes to escape this life…"
He sighed.
"…I'd take the farm."
And somewhere above them, the sound of Jaro's despair could still be heard echoing through the castle.
"MY LACRIMAAAAA!"